Black Cat Appreciation Day Is Friday: Here Are 4 Ways to Help

In my home, every day is Black Cat Appreciation Day. Siouxsie, my Top Cat and Queen of All Eastern Cats, makes sure of that. But in many other places, black cats aren’t as fortunate. They often stay in shelters longer than other cats, and for that reason are much more likely to die in shelters. A combination of superstition and the fact that black cats are notoriously difficult to photograph also contribute to mini-panthers’ unfortunate fate.

Black Cat Appreciation Day, which falls on Friday, August 17, is a way to fight the black-cat stereotype and make their lives better. Here are four of my favorite tips to show just how lucky black cats can be for the people who love them.

1. If you have a black cat, share her story

When people read about black cats and their antics, they realize that black cats are just like cats of every other color. Facebook status updates, tweets, blog or forum posts, poems about your cat, stories with black cats prominently featured, and artwork focused on black cats helps to get the word out about how awesome they are. You don’t have to write your black cat’s memoir or compose a long, photo-filled essay like I did -- just a few sentences is enough.

2. Make your cat look like a superstar

You don’t need to be a professional photographer to take good pictures of your black cats. This is the best online tutorial I’ve seen on the subject; it’s written in language ordinary people can understand and contains tips you can use without much effort or expense.

3. Join the Black Cat Appreciation Day event on Facebook

If you love black cats, the Black Cat Appreciation Day event may be just the thing for you. It’s easy, it’s fun, and you don’t have to do anything but click the “Join” button to share with your friends that you love and appreciate black cats.

4. Adopt a black cat from your local shelter

Shelters all over the country have Black Cat Appreciation Day adoption specials including BOGO deals (adopt one at the regular price, get a second one free), half-price adoption fees for black cats, and more. If I volunteered at a shelter or served on its board, I might suggest a $13 black cat adoption fee for Black Cat Appreciation Day, because it would help to lampoon negative superstitions about black cats.

What other ways have you found to share the black cat love? Please let me know in the comments.